Re: Low-cost burglar alarm system needed

["Bob La Londe" <none@xxxxxxxxxx>]

"TomR" <TomR@xxxxxxxxxxxx> wrote in message
news:k9qok4$h3h$1@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
> JoeRaisin wrote:
>> On 12/5/2012 12:38 PM, TomR wrote:
>>>>> On Tuesday, December 4, 2012 4:06:18 PM UTC-8, TomR wrote:
>>>>>
>>>>>>> I am looking for a low-cost burglar alarm system -- one that will
>>>>>>> primarily just protect one large room (a basement with outdoor
>>>>>>> door and window access); and probably one that will just go off
>>>>>>> as a deterrent and will not dial out to police etc.  This is for
>>>>>>> a vacant property that I own . . . ,
>>>
>>> Chris wrote:
>>>> Tom,
>>>>
>>>> By the sounds of it, you could probably get away with one motion
>>>> detector (they generally have a range of 40') to cover the main
>>>> area. A door contact may be wise, but probably unnecessary in this case
>>>> as
>>>> the motion could be programmed as an entry/exit zone.
>>>>
>>>> If I were you, I would look at calling the local alarm companies in
>>>> your area (not the national types) and see if they have something
>>>> they could sell you.  I know in my office there are a few old
>>>> control panels that I keep around for power supplies, old keypads
>>>> for extra parts, random motion detectors that aren't in inventory,
>>>> etc. A local shop may be able to put a system together for you,
>>>> pre-program it in their office, sell you the control panel, backup
>>>> battery, power supply, 30 watt siren (anything less is likely
>>>> useless for your non-monitored situation), keypad, and a motion
>>>> detector. Then show you how to wire what where (some sort of labels
>>>> would be nice) and let you install it yourself.  As the only parts
>>>> in inventory (unless they count absolutely everything) would be the
>>>> power supply, battery, siren, and maybe motion detector, it
>>>> shouldn't cost much.  They may even be able to throw in a scrap box
>>>> of wire, the type that doesn't have enough in it anymore to be
>>>> worth packing around to jobs.
>>>>
>>>> For me, especially if I had some sort of assurance that you'd be
>>>> back spending more money with me later on, I would probably only
>>>> charge $100 or so for everything, maybe $200 at the most.  It would
>>>> be an old system, the keypad probably wouldn't look that great
>>>> (yellowed, old zone lists, etc.), you wouldn't have any sort of
>>>> warranty, but it would do it's job.  Plus I would still trust that
>>>> system more than any sort of system from a hardware store.
>>>>
>>>> - Chris
>>>
>>> Thanks Chris. That's a lot of good information and good ideas.
>>>
>>> I hadn't thought about the possibility of piecing together some
>>> possibly-used parts from my local alarm company.
>>>
>>> I do have a local alarm company that I use for other occupied
>>> properties with existing professionally installed alarm systems,
>>> fire alarm inspections, etc.  I stopped in there last week and we
>>> talked a little about what I may need, but I didn't have any sample
>>> print-outs with me of some of the alarm systems I saw online.  They
>>> said I should stop back with the example print-outs and they would
>>> see what they could figure out.  Even though I did plan on doing
>>> that, I hadn't thought about the possibility that they may have some
>>> second-hand stuff around etc.  Like you, I was thinking that maybe
>>> all I would need would be a motion sensor to do the detecting, plus
>>> whatever else I would need in terms of keypad, a siren, etc. So, yes, I
>>> will try that idea and see what they say.
>>>
>>> Also, the alarm company is right down the street from my property,
>>> so if they can hook me up with some inexpensive parts, my guess is
>>> that they would probably be fine with hooking it up for me for maybe
>>> $100 or so in labor.
>
>> If the house is undergoing a lot of renovation, it would be the most
>> cost effective time to have that company install a wired system
>> throughout the structure.
>>
>> You don't have to have it monitored, even turned on or even installed
>> - just have it prewired in case you want to put a system in at a
>> later date.
>
> True, and that's probably what will happen when the final plan unfolds for
> the renovation.  It will be a rental property, so having a pre-wired fire
> detection and alarm system would be a good idea anyway.  And, doing it
> while all of the walls and ceilings are open makes the most sense.  The
> one-time cost of the system will not be too much and then the tenant(s)
> can choose whether they want to pay for monitoring or not.  But either
> way, they'll have a good security system in place which is a good feature.
>
> But, for now, all I need is a simple alarm system while it's vacant to
> protect what is in the basement (tools, the gas boiler, etc).

I used to have rentals, and I am sure this will vary by state, but I was
cautioned by my attorney that for liability reasons I should not promote a
security system of any kind as part of the package.  In addition he
recommended I add a section which basically read,

"This premise is rented as without a security or alarm system of any kind,
and if a system exists it is considered to be non-functional and not a part
of the tenant agreement.  In addition if such a system exists or is
installed in the future or is activated and used by the tenant it is solely
at the discretion and liability of the tenant, and the tenant agrees that
all associated responsibility and liability for its use existence, failure
or nonuse rests solely with the tenant."

I am quoting from memory so the exact phrasing may be off a little.  I sold
all my rentals at the peak of the real estate bubble, so its been a while
since I have read one of my rental contracts.  I am not giving you legal
advise, but rather relating an anecdote which I claim supports the argument
that you might wish to seek legal advise before promoting a feature which
could expose you to additional liability.